Carl Lundgren (illustrator)
Carl Lundgren (born July 12, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American artist and illustrator, primarily known for his 1960s-era rock posters and fantasy art.
About the Artist
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Born in Detroit in 1947, Carl's artistic beginnings were greatly influenced by the "avant-garde". His career began in the late '60s as one of the premier contributors to the psychedelic generation. Carl did a number of rock posters for Detroit's "Grande Ballroom", and for "The Avalon Ballroom" in San Francisco. His early works are featured in the Abbeville Press book, The Art of the Rock. He was the originator of the "Tales from the Ozone" underground commix, and did many comics and illustrations for the alternative press. Lundgren was also among the top fantasy and science fiction book cover artists in the world, having done over 300 illustrations for such publishing houses as Dell, Avon, Ballantine, Berkley and DAW Books. Having such a diverse background in art, Carl has gone to become a renowned oil painter, exhibiting in galleries and museums through the world including The Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington, Delaware, and his work remains in many private collections. Lundgren's experiences have enabled him to publish three books featuring his work. Carl has also been the recipient of many achievement awards, including a HUGO nomination as Best Science Fiction Artist.
Carl's philosophy is that when he paints a picture, he wants it to have an effect on the people who observe it; he wants it to "communicate". He feels his most successful pictures are the ones that create a reaction, whether positive or negative. The more realistic he can make his art, the better, no matter how fantastic the subject. Carl favors no particular technique, "my work is my own and I strive to perfect it every waking hour of the day".
Having lived all over the country, Lundgren and his wife, Michele, have owned several art galleries and have helped curate many shows and exhibitions. They currently live in downtown Detroit, in a renovated Victorian home with a couple of stray cats that seem to want to hang around!
